Asthma affects over 24 million people in the U.S., including more than 6 million children, while as many as 50 million Americans experience allergies every year, statistics from the ACAAI reveal. Asthma and allergies are both inflammatory conditions which often appear hand-in-hand. Fortunately, the CBD (cannabidiol) found in hemp oil is a natural anti-inflammatory, which has been proven to reduce and prevent allergy symptoms (including skin rashes) and asthma attacks.

The importance of preventing symptoms by avoiding triggers

The symptoms of allergies and asthma are similar and can be successfully managed by avoiding triggers. People with asthma typically experience a narrowing of the airways, which prevents oxygen reaching the lungs and results in wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain. In fact, people with asthma continually have some degree of inflammation in their bronchial tubes even if they’re not displaying noticeable symptoms.

Alternatively, allergies occur when the immune system goes into overdrive to protect the body from certain substances it identifies as harmful. Symptoms include rashes, sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose. Neither conditions have a cure, but can be managed by avoiding common triggers like tobacco smoke, dust, mold, pollen, pet dander, and household pests. Keeping a clean living environment is therefore key. In particular, check your home regularly for signs of pests like rodents and cockroaches which can trigger symptoms and even severe attacks in susceptible individuals.

Reducing inflammation

CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which has a number of cannabinoid receptors, including the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Most notably, CBD impacts the CB2 receptor, which is crucial for managing inflammation. Additional studies prove CBD’s effectiveness at decreasing the inflammation associated with asthma and allergies.

For example, in a Brazilian university study, researchers separated twenty-one rats into three different groups; one group was given CBD. Researchers then measured the presence of cytokines to assess its effectiveness at relieving inflammation. The results? CBD inhibited the production of all but one cytokine — therefore drastically reducing inflammation. The same cytokines are also found in human asthma, which suggests CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties can successfully translate to humans.

Preventing skin rashes

Hemp seed oil can also be an effective way of soothing and preventing skin rashes caused by allergies. In particular, in a 2018 Italian study, researchers exposed skin cell cultures to polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, an immune system stimulant, to trigger an inflammatory response. The skin cell cultures were then exposed to various cannabinoids, after which they demonstrated a reduction in inflammation. Additionally, researchers noted a significant reduction in MCP-2, a protein which plays a major role in triggering allergic reactions like inflammation. This study helps prove cannabidiol and other cannabinoids found in hemp help the body prevent and fight allergic reactions.

Conclusion

Hemp seed oil can provide relief for the millions of Americans who experience allergies and asthma each year. Its powerful, natural anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.